Nullifiers of Fasting

To begin with, there are those things that invalidate the fasting and require the making up of that day of fasting only which are the following:

1. Eating and drinking deliberately. This is the opinion the majority of the scholars, except that Imaam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him) and what is also the famous opinion of Imaam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on him) say in addition to the make up day, one must also pay a kaffaarah (atonement). The correct opinion and Allah Most High knows best is that of the majority, since there is nothing mentioned by the Prophet stating otherwise.

2. Induced vomiting. There is difference of opinions among the scholars as to whether or not vomiting invalidates fasting. The soundest view is as long as the vomiting is not done on a person’s own accord then the fasting remains valid. The Messenger of Allah (SWT) said: “If someone had a sudden attack of vomiting, no atonement is required of him, but if he vomits intentionally he must make atonement.” ( Reported by the five (books of hadith)

3. Menstruation and post-natal bleeding. A woman who bleeds due to any one os these two reasons has broken her fast, even if it occurs seconds before sunset. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars.

4. Ejaculation. Regardless of whether this resulted due to the husband kissing his wife, caressing her, with his hand, or his wife’s hand. This is the opinion of the majority, except that ibn Hazm, Ash-shawkaani, and from amongst the later scholars Sheikh al-Albaani (may Allah shower them with His mercy) said no make up day is required. The correct opinion, and Allah knows best, is that of the majority. Sheikh Saabiq, author of the book Fiqh-us Sunnah said that if the sperm seeped out as a result of looking or thinking, then this does not nullify the fasting.

5. Supplements and nutritional injections or drips. These dietary intakes defeat one of the main objectives of fasting, namely, to undergo thirst and hunger.

6. The one who makes the intention that they have broken their fast even if they don’t eat or drink as previously mentioned.

7. Apostasy. If a Muslim who is fasting becomes a disbeliever, then their fasting becomes void, as Allah Most High says: “If you commit shirk (associate others in worship with Allah), then surely (all) your deeds will be in vain…” (Az-Zumar, 39: 65)

The only thing requires a person to make up the fasting day in addition to the kaffaarah is if a person has sexual intercourse, irrespective of whether ejaculation takes place or not. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars based on hadith Abu Hurairah (r.a) collected by both Bukhari and Muslim. The kaffaarah in respect to the one who has copulated with one’s spouse is to emancipate (set free) a slave, if she or he has one. If not, then two consecutive months of fasting must be done. If fasting two consecutive months is detrimental to one’s health then he or she is required to feed sixty needy people.